The team of 20 BCHLers took on a Russian select squad in an exhibition match in preparation for the tournament starting April 16 but absorbed a 9-2 beating.
Captain David Killip and forward Malcolm McKinney had the goals for Team Canada while Kris Moore and Khaleed Devji split netminding duties.
Information on the game has been spotty but general manager Ronnie Paterson was able to deliver a message to the BCHL informing the Russians had six 22-old-players and three from their gold-medal winning squad at the most recent World Junior Championships.
“… highly skilled team… Typical Russian team with great puck movement,” said Paterson in his message.
He also said Team Canada generated several good offensive chances but lacked finish and were a bit scrambly in the defensive zone.
It's been a rough trip so far for Salmon Arm SilverBacks forward Brett Knowles. First, his hockey bag was lost (it has since been recovered) and he was cut for 20 stitches in the loss to the select team.
Team Canada is supposed to play at least one more exhibition game before the tournament begins on Saturday.
Follow media relations co-ordinator Eddie Gregory's blog for more information:
http://thebchlinrussia.blogspot.com
TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
April 15, 2011
15:00 (4:00 am PDT) Unified MHL Team – Canada
18:30 (7:30 am PDT) Russia – Slovakia
April 16, 2011
15:00 (4:00am PDT) Slovakia – Unified MHL Team
18:30 (7:30am PDT) Russia – Canada
April 17, 2011
13:00 (2:00am PDT) Canada – Slovakia
16:00 (5:00am PDT) Russia – Unified MHL Team
Stay tuned for more details as they become available.
